Abstract
Protecting representative natural ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and unique natural landscapes are the main considerations in China’s national park planning. Here, we mapped the distribution of China’s natural landscapes and evaluated their protection values for national park planning and construction. Grading evaluation methods combining standard comparison, inventory method, and expert consultation were used, and four levels of natural landscapes were identified. Furthermore, priority areas for national parks establishment were also proposed. Of all the landscapes evaluated, 76 were extremely important, 481 were important, 2070 were moderately important, and 1213 were slightly important. A total number of 67 priority areas for natural landscapes were identified with a total area of 1,218,000 km2. They comprised land and sea areas of 1,148,000 and 69,000 km2, respectively. We suggest strengthening natural landscape protection by establishing natural parks in priority areas. Our study will contribute to the effective protection of natural landscapes in China.
Highlights
Natural landscapes on a national scale were evaluated for the first time in this study, by obtaining priority natural landscape characteristics, determining the spatial distribution of valuable natural landscapes, and proposing priority areas for national parks
We graded natural landscapes into four levels depending on their typicality, aesthetics, authenticity, integrity, and historical and cultural values
The numbers of natural landscapes in eastern and central China were higher than in western China, the average area was much lower in western China
Summary
“Establishment of protected area system with national parks as an essential part” is currently an important concept in the nature protection declaration in China [1]. According to the conditions of China’s natural resources and the requirements for declaring national parks, China’s national parks include strictly protected and managed areas designated to conserve the authenticity and integrity of natural ecosystems, landscapes, and habitats of rare and endangered animals and plants that are representative of the country [4]. They constitute the most important aspects of China’s natural ecosystems, the most unique natural landscapes, and its natural heritage and rich biodiversity. Our study provides a valuable example for the identification of areas for natural landscape protection in other places around the world
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